Embedded Files
Minnesota Public Radio, May 15, 2025
Macalester Collete and University of Northwestern students talk politics.
Bemidji Pioneer, May 2, 2025
"Braver Angels, a nonpartisan organization, hosted a town hall in Bemidji on Thursday to share tactics that help combat political polarization within the bcommunity while supporting collaboration..." More
MinnPost, May 1, 2025
MinnPost contributor Forrest Peterson attended several Braver Angels events in Willmar on April 28, and wrote a good overview of the tour to counties in western and northern Minnesota. He also provides information about Braver Angels, in general.
The Al Travis Show, May 1, 2025
Radio broadcaster Al Travis produces a show for rural media markets in Greater Minnesota. Al interviewed Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty about the recent tour to Worthington, Willmar, Fergus Falls, Moorhead, Bemidji, and Brainerd. Al has interviewed Doherty previously, and enjoys the updates about Braver Angels and its activities.
The Globe, April 29, 2025
The Globe published Braver Angels finish weekend in Worthington, continue on the road , an interview with Rev. Jeff Thiemann, co-leader for the Reduce the Rancor campaign.
RadioWorks, April 23, 2025
Minnesota Braver Angels is hitting the road today to visit parts of western and northwestern Minnesota, including Worthington.
"Reduce the Rancor" is a statewide campaign to reduce hostile polarization in public life. Championed by the state chairs of the two main political parties, the campaign is a partnership with Braver Angels and about 25 organizations of elected officials, interested citizens, colleges and universities, civic, religious and business leaders, and other nonprofits.
Minnesota Public Radio, April 22, 2025
Americans Reconnect: Talking Across the Political Divide is a radio program focused on solutions to political polarization. The production team spent more than a year researching and reporting on how people can maintain relationships despite stark political differences, offering hope for a divided electorate that Americans can still come together.
A partnership with the national nonprofit organization Braver Angels is central to the reporting. The group uses family and marriage therapy techniques to help people bridge political divisions. The insights of Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty deeply inform the radio special and are woven throughout.
Brainerd Dispatch April 21, 2025
On Friday, May 2 the Minnesota Braver Angels Reduce the Rancor team will facilitate four events, two for the public and two for elected officials and other community leaders. Braver Angels is a nation-wide organization evoted to bridging political and cultural divides. The events for the public are:
2-4 p.m. at the Brainerd Public Library: Open house on the theme Bridging Divides, Building Community
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments): Parenting in a Time of Polarization, an event for everyone interested in children - including grandparents! Central Lakes College Cafeteria
Registrations requested; Walk-ins welcome. For more information about the events, especially location for Parenting in a Time of Polarization, visit Braver Angels 2025 Tour, Brainerd.
PBS NewsHour March 26, 2025
Journalist Judy Woodruff interviews Dr. Francis Collins and Minnesota truck driver and podcaster Wilk Wilkenson about how to listen to different perspectives to find common ground, the pandemic in particular.
Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 26, 2025
Minneapolis Star Tribune March 21, 2025
Interview with Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty in response to proposed bill to address growing concern about the current administration.
News and Events page of the University of Minnesota website - March 10, 2025
U of M interview with Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty about the background of the organization, and Minnesota Braver Angels coordinators Melinda Voss and Scott Schluter, who discuss their involvement and what they've learned. "The secret sauce is simply getting people together to talk—and especially to listen—without trying to change anyone’s convictions," says Doherty.
Minnesota Public Ractio - Dec. 10, 2024
Members of faith communities in St. Paul and central Minnesota met to discuss differences in their perspectives, including regional and political viewpoints. The gatherings were hosted in an environment that fostered the type of listening and sharing skills advocated by Braver Angels.
Restaurant Business - Nov. 8, 2024
Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty provided practical and relatable tips for defusing post-election political strife between restaurant workers.
KARE-11 TV - Nov. 7, 2024
"It's, how do we show up in gracious victory," said Braver Angels cofounder Bill Doherty. "And then how do we show up in defeat?"
The Timberjay (Serving northern St. Louis County, MN) - Nov. 2, 2024
Timely insights and advice from Ely Braver Angels Alliance co-chairs Johnnie Ferderber and Nick Wognum.
CBS News, Sacramento CA - Nov. 6, 2024
A Braver Angels volunteer said, ""I think people are tired of the fighting and the name-calling and all that and would like to see us come together. I think people just don't know how...No matter what happened, half the country was going to be upset or sad or worried, and no matter what, we all still needed to work together and not divide into camps."
The Minnesota Star Tribune - Nov. 1, 2024
The Rev. Jerad Morey of the Minnesota Council of Churches specializes helping people politely navigate discussions of divisive issues.
Northfield News - Updated Oct. 29, 2024
Northfield, MN
The Rotary Club of Northfield is leading the way in fostering civil discourse in these times of intense political division. One of the ways we are engaging on this is through our connection to the Braver Angels organization.
MPR News - Oct. 22, 2024
A liberal farmer named Lauren and a conservative college student named Addie discuss their positive experience getting to know one another and realizing how much they had in common. This story was inspired by a Braver Angels member in California.
MPR News - Oct. 15, 2024
Two pastors present a faith-based approach to depolarization, "...teaching congregants how to listen better, how to bust through their media echo chambers and how to use their faith to empathize with people on the other side."
NPR - Oct. 15, 2024
The Braver Angels approach to navigating disagreements - and lowering stress.
Mankato Free Press - Oct. 11, 2024
Mankato, MN
Subscriber access only
MPR News, Oct. 3, 2024
St. Paul, MN
Angela Davis leads discussion with two experts on relationships and dialogue about how to navigate difficult conversations.
The Current, Sept. 13, 2024
St. Paul, MN
This piece by Ruth Terry for The Current shines a light on Catharine Richert's role in the MPR/Braver Angels partnership that addresses the deep divisions people report during this contentious election season. Richert listens to folks on all sides of many many issues to learn how they found common ground.
Minnesota Star Tribune, Sept. 2, 2024
Minneapolis, MN
Opinion piece by Strib writer Jill Burcum, who concludes with a shout-out for Braver Angels eCourses.
The Globe, Aug 31, 2024
Worthington, MN
“As part MPR News’ Talking Sense reporting project, reporters and volunteers from Braver Angels, a nonprofit that helps people bridge political divides, invited long-time Worthington residents and relative newcomers from Latin America to share personal immigration stories as a way to talk about this fraught topic without getting angry.”
GoodGoodGood, Aug. 19, 2024
"Bill Doherty — a professor of family social science at the University of Minnesota and co-founder of Braver Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing partisan animosity in the U.S. — has given presentations to, and held workshops with, the Civility Caucus. He says that the establishment of such forums are valuable for creating a better political climate."
Doherty, Thiemann: Time to reduce the rancor, Minnesota
Doherty, Thiemann: Time to reduce the rancor, Minnesota
St. Paul Pioneer Press op-ed, July 28, 2024
By Willian Doherty and Jeff Thiemann
"After the assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the ensuing recriminations, it’s on each of us to back away from over-heated rhetoric and mutual demonization, no matter where we land on the political spectrum. The cycle of contempt has moved past words and into political violence.
"Here’s what we must do as we head into the upcoming election..." more...
...link for Pioneer Press subscribers: Doherty, Thiemann: Time to reduce the rancor, Minnesota
...PDF: Doherty, Thiemann: Time to reduce the rancor, Minnesota (PDF)
Star Tribune, July 27, 2024
Star Tribune reporter Reid Forgrave writes "One of my favorite quotes is something Stephen Colbert said: 'You can't laugh and be afraid at the same time,'" Danger said. "It doesn't mean you walk out and say, 'You were right, we're all going to hold hands and vote the same way.' But it makes us understand this is somebody else who has similar joys and fears and challenges that I do."
NOTE: This article is about a project sponsored by Minnesota Humanities Center, one of our partner organizations in the Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota campaign.
Building Civic Hope through Braver Angels
Building Civic Hope through Braver Angels
Fulcrum, July 17, 2024
Harry C. Boyte, wrote "Last month’s Braver Angels convention in Kenosha, Wis., began with perhaps the largest debate watch party in the nation. Around 700 delegates observed the exchanges between Donald Trump and Joe Biden on a giant screen in the chapel of Carthage College on the shore of Lake Michigan. Equal numbers of Republicans wearing red lanyards and Democrats wearing blue ones, roughly 300 of each, with 170 independents and “others” identified by yellow and white, mingled together....“Civic renewal … requires citizen-led action on common problems. Such action usually begins at the local level and strengthens local cultures of citizenship, while enhancing democratic patriotism and love of country. Civic action builds civic muscle — our capacity to work together across our differences — and in so doing, creates hope. It returns citizens to the center of the democratic way of life.”... To read the article online, visit Building Civic Hope through Braver Angels.
Bill Doherty on WCCO-AM: Responding to the assassination attempt
Bill Doherty on WCCO-AM: Responding to the assassination attempt
News Talk WCCO AM, July 15, 2024
Minneapolis, Minn.
In response to the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump, Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty was interviewed on WCCO-AM's Adam and Jordana Show about the need to tone down our political rhetoric. Bill talked about political polarization and cited the Reduce the Rancor Campaign that Braver Angels launched in March as a resource for developing more civil conversations around politics.
Bill's remarks include these points -
Yesterday was a devastating day for our nation. It’s on each of us to stop this dangerous cycle of mutual destruction. No matter where we land on the political spectrum, here’s what we must do as we head into the upcoming election:
The immediate priority is to not escalate an already precarious situation. Do not throw fuel on the fire through attacks and counterattacks over responsibility for the assassination attempt. We’ve gotten ourselves into a deep hole. The first thing we must do is stop digging.
We have to tone down the apocalyptic rhetoric that our democracy will not survive four years of President Trump or President Biden. When the survival of the American experiment is at stake, violence can seem justified and even heroic. We have to believe in ourselves that we can hold onto our democratic republic no matter who wins or loses an election.
We must use this time to soul-search what we’ve allowed to happen in our political culture, from the national to the local level, and in our families and friendships. Polarization is a “We the People” problem and not just a “those politicians” problem. We have a role to play.
For years, we’ve unleashed bitter contempt on our fellow Americans who think and voter differently and, as a result, have created a toxic cycle to which both sides contribute. Together, we can change the trajectory of this polarization. Now is the time. Our country depends on it.
To listen to the full interview, go to the Audacity recording of News Talk WCCO AM's Adam and Jordana Show; Click on See all chapters, then scroll to Part 12, 10:36-10:51 a.m. (The interview begins after a short weather report.)
To read the transcript: Bill Doherty on WCCO-AM: Responding to the assassination attempt (PDF)
MPR News, July 2, 2024
A Braver Angel in Ely told MPR, "...Braver Angels has taught him that the language people use to discuss politics can be polarizing. So, he’s trying to check himself, especially in the opinion pieces he sends to the local paper.
“I have toned down my letters to the editor. I was pretty scathing,” he said. “In college, I learned a few things from one of my professors: She said, ‘You know, if you want to make your point, use telling facts.’ So that’s what I do. I use telling facts.” ... more
Northern News Now, June 9, 2024
Duluth, Minn.
Northern News Now covered the local Braver Angels discussion about gun control. "While the topic of politics may come up in conversation at many bars or taprooms around our region, a gathering at Bent Paddle Brewing on June 9 aimed to make those types of interactions easier to maneuver...According to organizers, the purpose is to allow people on all sides of the political spectrum to speak their minds on an issue and calmly learn why people feel the way they do.
“We’ve noticed that it’s getting where people are having more and more trouble just having a conversation about politics, where it’s harder to find the middle. We like the term common ground,” said John Wolforth, Braver Angels Northern Minnesota Alliance co-chair.
According to organizers, there are some bigger gatherings planned for the fall, including workshops that will bring together Braver Angels and the University of Wisconsin.
MPR News with Angela Davis, June 6, 2024
Have you ever had a conversation about politics that grew into a heated argument or maybe the opposite — froze into a chilly silence?
Or maybe you just avoid talking with people who don’t share your opinions on issues you care deeply about.
MPR News with Angela Davis shares a conversation that will help you communicate better in a politically polarized time.
On April 24, a group of college students and other community members gathered for a workshop at the Historic Chateau Theatre in Rochester organized by MPR News, the University of Minnesota Rochester and Braver Angels, a nonprofit organization that seeks to restore trust, respect and goodwill in American politics.
Braver Angels Minnesota Newsletter
Braver Angels Minnesota Newsletter
One’s a Conservative, One’s a Liberal. Here’s Their Secret to Friendship
One’s a Conservative, One’s a Liberal. Here’s Their Secret to Friendship
Inside Hook, a magazine aimed at men, April 24, 2024
Link: https://www.insidehook.com/mental-health/conservative-republican-liberal-democrat-friendship-secret
Inside Hook Features Editor Alex Lauer writes about his conversation with Bob Osburn Jr. and Bruce Pomerantz.
KTTC-TV, Rochester, April 23, 2024
Chris Schoenherr, Braver Angels ambassador, was interviewed on KTTC-TV about the April 24 workshop Skills for Disagreeing Better in Rochester. Chris provides an overview of Braver Angels while promoting the workshop and the April 29 recap of the workshop. See Events for more information.
April 4, 2024
Talking Sense: The roots of political polarization
Talking Sense: The roots of political polarization
Minnesota Public Radio News, April 4, 2024
MPR aired Talking Sense: The roots of political polarization, a report on its first Talking Sense event held Feb. 27 in Woodbury.
Ed Marek and Jeff Thiemann on 950 AM Radio
Ed Marek and Jeff Thiemann on 950 AM Radio
950 AM, March 31, 2024
Ed Marek and Jeff Thiemann discussed Braver Angels on 950 AM radio. Ed is a Braver Angels Ambassador and Minnesota Representative and Liaison in the Braver Network; Jeff Thiemann is on the Braver Angels State Steering Team Member and also serves as o-chair for the Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota campaign. In this broadcast, they talk about the work, training, and events that Braver Angels is doing in Minnesota. To listen to the interview, visit Ed Marek and Jeff Thiemann on 950 AM Radio.
Our View: Parties can back up bit talk on political civility
Our View: Parties can back up bit talk on political civility
Duluth News Tribune, March 25, 2024
Our View: Parties can back up big talk on political civility (access to full editorial requires signing up for free account)
Campaign calls on Minnesotans to ‘reduce the rancor’ in 2024
Campaign calls on Minnesotans to ‘reduce the rancor’ in 2024
Republican Eagle, March 17, 2024
Cannon Falls, Minn. -- A statewide campaign kicked off Monday that calls on Minnesotans across the political spectrum to reduce polarization during the 2024 election.
Called “Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota,” the campaign is sponsored by the nonprofit Braver Angels and is supported by the chairs of Minnesota’s two major political parties. Elected officials, colleges and universities and religious and civic groups are also supporting the campaign.
The campaign asks organizations and Minnesotans to take at least one action to lower the temperature in their conversations about politics.
Minnesota Republican Chair David Hann and DFL Chair Ken Martin joined the kick-off event at the University of St. Thomas Monday.
Hann said he is sometimes criticized by his party for talking with Democrats, but he doesn’t consider Democrats as “our enemy.”
“There are a lot of things we disagree on – many things, a lot of things – but one thing I do believe is we have to find ways to work together to find some kind of common ground,” Hann said.
Martin said that it’s OK for people to disagree and people can disagree without being disagreeable.
“People aren’t listening to each other anymore. People should not be afraid to share their opinions, but to open their ears and listen to others. You might actually learn something and find common ground,” Martin said.
Bill Doherty, a co-founder of Braver Angels and a University of Minnesota professor, said that the campaign’s key message is that people can learn to “disagree better.”
“This does not mean giving up cherished values or policy beliefs. It means learning to disagree with respect rather than rancor,” Doherty said.
Two state party chairs and 21 partners join with Braver Angels calling on Minnesotans to “reduce the rancor” in 2024
Two state party chairs and 21 partners join with Braver Angels calling on Minnesotans to “reduce the rancor” in 2024
March 12, 2024
Braver Angels Minnesota news release
St. Paul, Minn. – A statewide campaign began Monday that calls on Minnesotans across the political spectrum – liberals, conservatives and independents – to help reduce hostile polarization during what promises to be a politically divisive
election year.
Called “Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota,” the campaign is sponsored by the nonprofit Braver Angels and championed by the chairs of the state’s two major political parties and 21 organizations that include elected officials, colleges and universities, Minnesota Public Radio, professional associations, and religious and civic groups.
In a kick-off event held Monday at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, David Hann, chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, and Ken Martin, chairman of the Democrat-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, addressed students, campaign partners and Braver Angels members...more
St. Thomas takes steps to 'Reduce the Rancor'
St. Thomas takes steps to 'Reduce the Rancor'
March 12, 2004
By Manuela Hill-Muñoz
In an effort to help foster civility and diminish political polarization, the University of St. Thomas co-hosted the kickoff event for the statewide initiative, Reduce the Rancor. The university, in collaboration with the nonprofit organization Braver Angels, seeks to elevate discourse and reshape perspectives on political differences without altering individuals’ views on the issues themselves.
The event, held at the Iversen Center for Faith on March 11, surpassed expectations with an impressive turnout, reflecting a collective yearning for positive change. The initiative aims to address the divisive culture that has permeated various aspects of society, from government and schools to churches and families...more
Reduce the Rancor 2024, WCCO-TV CBS Morning News
Reduce the Rancor 2024, WCCO-TV CBS Morning News
March 11, 2024
WCCO-TV CBS Morning News
Video: Reduce the Rancor 2024
Bridging Divides: The Braver Angels answer to political polarization
Bridging Divides: The Braver Angels answer to political polarization
March 5, 2024
Owatonna People's Press
By Roger Warehime
When I tell people about my work with Braver Angels, an organization working to bridge the political divide, I often get a raised eyebrow or a skeptical “Really, how do you plan to do that?” Given our ever-widening political rifts, their doubt is not surprising.
In this divided landscape, it’s key to understand two types of polarization. First, there’s attitudinal polarization – where we differ in our political views, values, and priorities. This kind is actually good; it helps us make better, well-rounded decisions. The second type, affective polarization, is the troublesome one. This isn’t about disagreeing on policies; it’s about disliking, even hating, those who aren’t in our in-group. It’s natural to feel a kinship with like-minded people, but the trouble starts when we can’t stand the other side, questioning their motives and even, in the worst cases, denying their humanity...more
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